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BIOGRAPHY: Jim Shore
The enormous popularity of award-winning artist Jim Shore is the result of a lifetime of dedication, inspiration and plain old hard work. And as with most successful people,some good fortune has played a part as well. As Jim puts it, “Art is something I’ve done all my life. It’s what I’ve always loved and the only thing I ever wanted to do. But making a living as an artist isn’t easy. There are thousands of very talented people out there that never get achance to show what they can do. I’ve been lucky. Not only do I get to do what I love, I get to share it with people around the world. I’ve been given a tremendous gift and I thank God for it every day.”
Jim Shore grew up in rural South Carolina, the son of artistic parents who instilled a love of the traditional values expressed in American folk art. His grandmother was a master quilter who taught him an appreciation for the patience and skill required to bring intricate designs to life. Jim drew inspiration from these roots. “There’s an innocence and purity to the quilts, appliques and folk scenery found in the early days of our country. These were masterpieces that were designed not for commission, but because the artists were driven to create. I collect quilts dating back over 150 years and when I look at the level of skill and creativity I am continually amazed. This is high art from humble beginnings.” Initially Jim pursued his art when and where he could. He studied engineering and received a degree in business – not art. He supported his young family as an engineer, honing his skills as a sculptor and painter in his spare time. But his passion was always his art, and after several false starts founded his own company, Designs Americana, to market his sculpture. “We went to a show with some of my sculptures and planned to manufacture them if we received enough orders,” Jim recalls, “We didn’t have a factory, didn’t really know what we were going to do. Luckily, we made the right contacts at the show and it all worked out.” Within three years Designs Americana had over 350 employees and more orders than they could fill. In fact the demands of managing Designs Americana made it difficult for Jim to concentrate on his art. “I needed to focus exclusively on the creative and artistic side of my work, and that meant finding the right business partner to concentrate on the three piece suit side of the business.” There was no better partner than Enesco, a worldwide leader in marketing gifts, collectibles and decorative accessories. In 2000 Jim joined forces with Enesco to create the Jim Shore line of seasonal and home accessories.
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